Promo industry executives gathered in the Windy City for thought sharing and networking.

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) hosted its annual North American Leadership Conference (NALC) at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile from May 12 to 14. Nearly 170 supplier and distributor executives came together for educational sessions, thought sharing and networking.

Almost 170 attendees gathered for PPAI’s NALC at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile from May 12 to 14.

Chris Barton, inventor of the music-identifying app Shazam, kicked off the first full day of programming with a presentation entitled, “Innovation in Uncertainty: Bringing Impossible Ideas to Life.” Barton overcame numerous tech challenges to launch the app, which, despite doubt among early investors, went on to garner top ratings among users in the App Store.

“We see a barrier and we respect it like it’s an authority,” he said. “We have to defy it. Question every assumption and build out the possibilities.”

Barton’s keynote address resonated strongly with Jill Haspert, CEO of Foxtrot Marketing (asi/170720). “He brought his unique idea to the market despite obstacles,” she said. “It was a true testament to the power of perseverance and agility.”

Ellen Rissman, assistant vice president of policy and communications in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, presented current inflation and economic data, followed by a “Leading Through Organizational Change” panel featuring Alan Meinstein of Counselor Top 40 supplier Spector & Co. (asi/88660), Kirk Graves of Concord Marketing Solutions (asi/166445) and Pierre Montaubin of Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480).

“Surround yourself with people who will outshine you,” said Montaubin. “Let go and let them do the work.”

From left: Lindsey Davis of PPAI moderates the “Leading Through Organizational Change” panel at NALC with Alan Meinstein of Spector & Co. (asi/88660), Kirk Graves of Concord Marketing Solutions (asi/166445) and Pierre Montaubin of Koozie Group (asi/40480).

Day 2 of the conference featured Futurist and Tech Strategist Crystal Washington, a “Policy Pulse” session with Government Relations Strategist Chris Lamond, a “state of the economy” discussion with CNBC Finance Reporter Ron Insana and a concluding conversation with Drew Holmgreen, president & CEO of PPAI.

“With nearly 170 attendees, the highest attendee count ever and many C-level industry leaders among them, NALC 2025 provided incredible thought leadership,” said Holmgreen after the event. “Our participants experienced dynamic keynotes from world-renowned innovators, futurists and economists, panels comprised of the industry’s best minds, and networking that facilitated real conversations about the industry’s most critical topics.”

Chelsea Williams, owner and CEO of Spark Branded Solutions, particularly appreciated the tariff insights during Lamond’s “Policy Pulse” session and noted the consistent themes of reducing both internal and client-facing friction while leveraging AI technology.

“Everyone who spoke about AI reiterated that it’s not going to replace human interaction,” Williams said. “It’ll simplify tasks and boost productivity, which will allow people to spend more time on soft skills that build connection. With more automation, soft skills are going to be critical for success at every level.”